LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) concluded the Technical Inputting and Conference at the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC)-CAR in La Trinidad, Benguet on October 31, 2024. In this activity, all the technical staff involved in crop health had convened with the aim of improving the collaboration between provincial governments and the different DA divisions involved in crop health to lessen the incidence of plant pests and diseases including their management.
During the opening program, DA-CAR Assistant Regulatory Division Chief Dr. Kevin Jim Luna gave the overview of the activity, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing the existing reporting processes.
According to Dr. Arlene M. Sagayo, DA-CAR Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulations, and Integrated Laboratory, “80% of vegetables consumed all over the country comes from the Cordillera, so helping the farmers means making sure that there is vegetable for the Filipinos”. She also challenged the participants, emphasizing to eradicate at least one major plant pest or disease. If not, efforts should aim to decrease the incidence of crop diseases, utilization of results from updated researches, and strategize how to manage recurring challenges. Lastly, she encouraged the utilization of the data being gathered, its trends or implications, and to think outside the box on its use so that it will not end on the databank of monitored areas.
Other discussions included updates on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) by Ellyn Virador, Pest and Disease Risk Identification and Management (PRIME) by Delbert Wayet, Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM) by staff from the Research Division Joshua Andres, and Mobile-based Application for Corn by Frederick Sabaway of the Regional Crop Protection Center. These were followed by a workshop on the Open Data Kit (ODK) monitoring forms facilitated by Wayet.
The output includes a harmonized monitoring forms incorporating data required by the Bureau of Plant Industry and DRRM. The ODK aims to create an easier and shortened time of reporting so that management recommendations are given back to the local governments/farmers in a timely manner, this will also impact the availability of funds for interventions if any.
Additionally, this ODK is to be pilot-tested in the first quarter of 2025 and will be expanded in 2026. Moreover, Dr. Kimberly Pearl Takinan from the Regulatory Division introduced the Regional Advisory Committee for Animal Disease Control and Emergency. Similar advisory committee could also be created for crop pests and diseases in order to create a strengthened protocol in handling a pest outbreaks.
The said activity was facilitated by the personnel from the DA-CAR-Regulatory Division and participated by the staff from the DA-CAR RCPC, banner programs such as High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Rice Program and DA-CAR DRRM, including plant pest monitoring focals from the provincial governments in the region. By Janice Sano and Tan Dulag
